STAFF at the care home in Yate where a murder investigation has been launched found an 87-year-old woman dead in her room, the Gazette can reveal.

The manager at Oaktree Care Home, on Lark Rise in Brimsham Park, found the 87-year-old female victim yesterday afternoon.

A spokeswoman for Four Seasons Healthcare, a subsidiary of Laudcare Limited which owns the home , said: “This is a deeply upsetting and distressing time for the family and we will support them as much as we can.

“A resident was found dead in her room and in line with our normal procedures in the event of a sudden death, the home manager immediately contacted the police and relevant authorities.”

She added: “It would be inappropriate for us to comment further whilst the police investigation is on-going.”

Police arrived on the scene at lunchtime yesterday and began an investigation into the circumstances of the death.

Later that afternoon a 33-year-old man, who is not an employee of the care home, was arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in custody being questioned about the incident.

The victim’s family has been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

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“Our investigation began yesterday soon after the death was reported to us and continues today.

“We have one man in custody and we’re not currently looking for anyone else.”

Care home watchdog the Care Quality Commission (CQC) said it was fully aware of the incident and was meeting with police, safeguarding leaders South Gloucestershire Council and the NHS.

A spokesman told the Gazette: “It is primarily a police investigation but local safeguarding procedures are in place and relevant agencies are meeting and sharing all information.”

He said the CQC is due to publish a report after being called to Oaktree after concerns were raised there. The report is regarding a separate incident at the care home and is not related to the police investigation.

In 2011, Oaktree was at the centre of an inquiry carried out by South Gloucestershire Council’s Safeguarding Adults’ Board following concerns raised by a whistleblower. Whilst it was ongoing no new residents were admitted to the home, which caters for up to 48 people over the age of 65.

Last year, the CQC said the care home was meeting all requirements.

Last year, the CQC said the care home was meeting all requirements.

A spokeswoman for South Gloucestershire Council said the authority's thoughts were with the family.

She added: “The incident at Oaktree House private nursing home is subject to a police investigation and while this is ongoing it would not be appropriate to comment any further at this stage.”

Oakltree specialises in accommodation for people who require nursing or personal care, dementia patients and people with diseases or disorders.